Austrian Member of the European Parliament Thomas Waitz has assessed that Kosovo has made notable progress in building democratic institutions and conducting electoral processes, emphasizing that the country could be considered among the leading candidates for membership in the European Union.
He stated that Kosovo’s Constitution is highly aligned with European standards.
“Kosovo is a country with a constitution very close to European constitutions. It is a country that has set an example in how elections are organized in the region, and even where there have been doubts, proper recounts have been carried out. Some countries in the region could learn from this example,” Waitz said.
Speaking about the fight against corruption, he noted that Kosovo is on the right path, although the process remains challenging.
“Kosovo is on a good path when it comes to combating corruption. However, this is an ongoing battle, as it is in all our member states,” he added.
According to the MEP, if Kosovo were treated as a regular applicant for EU membership, it would rank among the most advanced countries.
“If Kosovo were a standard applicant for the European Union, it would be among the frontrunners. There are still reforms to be made and improvements to be seen, but the country would be in a strong position,” Waitz declared.
However, he stressed that the integration process is being hindered by political factors and the lack of recognition from Serbia.
“The reason it is not the case is that Kosovo is still not recognized by Serbia and continues to be blocked on its path. This is an issue where I agree with colleagues, as the political elite is not ready for compromise,” he said.
In conclusion, Waitz emphasized that election results in Kosovo should be respected.
“There have been two elections that showed a clear winner, and this must be accepted,” he concluded.
